1998 Saturn SL2 starting problem

Tiny
LIBRALYNN
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 SATURN SL2
  • 4 CYL
  • MANUAL
  • 124,000 MILES
Car cranks but does not turn over. This is an intermittent problem.
car was starting fine until I took for oil change & they replaced valve gasket due to leaking
next day had trouble starting would crank but not turn over tried twice like that then once with nothing happening & once more cranked held gas pedal to floor & it started. Was fine for one day then would not start again only crank only. Garage replaced ignition module & coils & spark plugs. Worked for one day now back to cranking but no start
Saturday, April 5th, 2014 AT 8:13 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
LIBRALYNN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the reply
did changing that valve gasket create this problem?
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Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
How would I know that if you haven't even determined what the problem is yet?
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Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 AT 10:42 AM

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